5 reasons to visit Cuba now (before it changes for good)
At the start of this year US President Barack Obama announced historic changes that could remove the restrictions on American citizens travelling to Cuba. Americans rejoiced; but the rest of the world did not. Embargoes in place since the 1950s mean Cuba has remained free of American cultural influences and many people are afraid that an influx of tourists will change all that. Here’s why you should visit Cuba right now.
It’s not too busy… yet
A US survey taken just after Obama’s announcement found that 46 per cent of people surveyed would consider changing their travel plans in the Caribbean in the face of the relaxed legislations. Travel agents have reported a sixfold increase in enquiries from US citizens interested in travelling to Cuba. What’s the take home message here? Americans are most definitely interested in Cuba and it won’t be long before it joins other Caribbean island destinations as a US favourite.
Free from chains
There are no McDonalds, no Pizza Huts, no Subways, no major fast food chains of any kind in Cuba. It’s one of the last places in the world to hold out against the multinational food giants (though there are a few local outfits serving up mediocre burgers and fries). Instead of grabbing a Big Mac, locals here stop off for little “bocadito” sandwiches of ham, cheese or roasted meats, followed by a sweet, sugary “churro” donut.
Jump in my car
Where else in the world are you going to see classic American cars from the 1950s still used as a popular mode of transport? Nowhere but Cuba. Trade restrictions following the 1959 revolution prevented the importation of cars and (with few other options) some 60,000 vintage vehicles still run on the roads. The cars are of varying quality and while some are beautifully maintained there are many that seem held together only by rust and duct tape, but they are still an impressive sight.
Light em up
The ban on Cuban cigars has already been lifted and for the first time since JFK was in office American citizens can import up to $150 worth at any one time. But a Cuban cigar has a certain mystique attached to it after being illegal for so many years, so it seems a waste to simply smoke one on your own verandah. Try a traditional, hand rolled cigar in a back alley Havana bar before you can buy them at every 7-11 in the world.
Eye to eye
The advent of smartphones in developed countries means that the majority of pedestrians now walk with their heads down and their eyes firmly glued to the brightly lit screen (however dangerous this may be in traffic). But in Cuba, less than three per cent of the population has access to the internet and smartphones are still very expensive. So you might actually see people looking around them, making eye contact and smiling with their fellow pedestrians. A rarity indeed.
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